True to form, KTM North America will not be bringing the new KTM 790 Duke to US soil anytime soon.
Good news though, the American subsidiary is very excited about the KTM 1290 Adventure S coming for the 2018 model year…you know, the big ADV bike that debuted exactly a year ago in Milan.
Surely disappointing more than a few motorcycle enthusiasts in the USA, KTM says that the 790 Duke will arrive in “early fall” of 2018 – you know, when the riding season is over for most of the country – as a 2019 machine.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the KTM 790 DUKE to the North American market in early fall of 2018 as the very first street model for 2019,” said John Hinz, President of KTM North America.
“The new engine generation with the 799cc LC8c parallel twin powerplant is very important for our market and our consumers, we’re very excited for the future.”
This news has to be a disappointment all the way around, as surely in a year’s time, the hyper and allure of the KTM 790 Duke will have waned with would-be riders, as new models for 2019 begin their teaser campaigns.
Similarly for dealers, this means that one of the hottest bikes for 2018 will arrive at the end of the season, which is sure to do no favors for sales.
This in turn will affect KTM back in Austria, as it continues to push for record sales, since the USA is arguably the largest market for a motorcycle like the KTM 790 Duke.
In the meantime, there are the very potent alternatives to the KTM 790 Duke available right this very second. Might we suggest the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS, or perhaps the very potent MV Agusta Brutale 800?
Source: KTM North America
As always, Asphalt & Rubber will be covering all the new bikes debuting at EICMA this year. Be sure to follow our coverage for the most recent news and photos.
Comments